Siog Geal takes notable mares’ novice prize at Newbury

Siog Geal dug deep to reward favourite-backers in the BetVictor British EBF “National Hunt” Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury.

Fergal O’Brien’s six-year-old was sent off the 5-2 market leader in the hands of Jonathan Burke for the Grade Two feature of Saturday’s action on the back of some consistent performances in both bumpers and over obstacles this term.

Never far from the pace on this step up in distance, Siog Gael loomed into contention entering the home straight and looked to have the race at her mercy jumping three out.

However, her momentum was checked when untidy two from home and although jumping the last with a narrow advantage, Siog Gael was forced to pull out all the stops up the run-in by Nicky Henderson’s fast-finishing La Pinsonniere.

O’Brien told Sky Sports Racing: “We always felt the step up in trip would help. Emma Lavelle’s horse Bluey blew her away last time and I was a bit disappointed at the time. It might have come on the back of a hard race at Windsor and we took her home and the owners have been very patient.

“She’s a special mare and we’ve always loved her. She wasn’t cheap, but the people I bought her off said I robbed her – she does look cheap now.

“This was always the plan. She was placed in her Listed bumper at Cheltenham and has now won a graded hurdle so today was the day and she’s delivered for us, so I’m delighted.”

There was further success for O’Brien and Burke when 1-3 favourite John Barbour recorded a bloodless seven-and-a-half-length win in the John Haine Memorial Novices’ Hurdle.

And a fine afternoon for the yard was completed by Is This For Real at Kelso in the hands of Liam Harrison.